Methodology

Materials used

The water hyacinth biomass matter was manually collected in Cagayan de Oro River.

Other leaf species locally found in Mindanao region mainly used as a briquette were also

manually collected as a reference for heating performance. A total of 9 leaf species were

gathered namely Water Hyacinth, Eucalyptus, Cypress, Calliandra calothyrsus, Acacia

angustissima, Paulownia tomentosa, Flemingia macrophylla, Leucaena trichandra and Gliricidia

sepium. All plant species were found in good conditions, free of chemicals in their natural

habitat where they grow fast.

Briquetting

Leaves of each sample were shredded into pieces which were dried for 4 days and was

then pulverized using mortar and pestle. Each crushed sample was weighed using digital mass

balance to have a uniform mass of 15.66g. Molasses binders composed of molasses leaves and

lime were used to hold the bits together to serve as a framework to prevent the sample from

falling apart. Several trials were made to know the maximum amount of molasses binder that

could bring the maximum heating capacity of the water hyacinth briquette, and it was found that

around 13% by weight could be used. Briquetting was achieved using Grainger hydraulic press

from Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan. The 18 g mixed sample was transferred into the

mold of cylindrical press machine. The press machine compacted the biomass producing

cylindrical briquettes.
Measuring Calorific Value

A Parr Instrument bomb calorimeter from Ateneo de Cagayan was used to determine the

gross calorific value of three (3) briquetted samples. One (1) briquette was deposited inside the

calorimeter. A 15 cm fuse wire was bound tightly to the posts of the bomb while it was touching

the briquette. The bomb was filled slowly with oxygen from the oxygen tank through its inlet

valve until the pressure gauge reading became around 35 atm. Valves were closed in the instant

to prevent pressure leak. The bomb was disconnected from the oxygen tank and was transferred

inside the calorimeter. An electrical connection was made with a wire connecting to the ignition

machine and the bomb calorimeter. The bomb calorimeter was submerged in a water bucket

containing 4000L of distilled water. The apparatus was jacketed to prevent heat loss. A

thermometer was inserted and clamped through the covers of the bucket. As soon as five

consecutive temperature readings were achieved, the ignition button was pressed until a light

comes on which indicated the total ignition of the briquette. The temperature rise of the system is

a measure of the heat energy that is given out by the combustion sample inside the bomb. The

knurled knob on the bomb head was turned to release gas pressure, and the unburnt wire inside

the calorimeter was measured. The measurement of the unburnt wire will be used later for the

calculations of the calorific value the briquette sample. Two more trials are to be executed, each

with one (1) briquette samples.

Flue Gas Analysis

An electronic combustion analyser (ECGA) from Ateneo de Cagayan will be used to

examine the flue gas emitted by three (3) briquette samples. The probe of the analyser is setup to

be injected into the chimney. The chimney was made sure to be sealed so no external air goes
into the chimney. One (1) briquette was deposited inside the boiler. Fuel burns on a slant fire

grate with a hydraulic control. Primary air is blown in three zones under the fire grate, while

secondary air is blown through the nozzles. Exhaust gases are blown away by a combustion fan

through a whirl separator into the chimney. Exhaust gas from the will reach the probe of the

analyser, then analyser reading will begin. Measurements will be recorded for analysis in results

and discussions. Two more trials are to be executed, each with one (1) briquette samples.

Experimental Design

The flow chart below shows the procedure followed by the researchers. These

methods including data gathering procedure will be executed to obtain the data required.